The former player: 'I really wanted to continue my rugby career'
Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told media outlets.
"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.
"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially overlooked for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.
"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.
"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."
"We has given significant attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.
"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.
"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.
His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.
"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.
"I take the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to previous team Northampton in late 2022
